The frequency of blood pressure control in people diagnosed with hypertension and related factors

The Frequency of Blood Pressure Control in People Diagnosed With Hypertension and Related Factors Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of blood pressure control and related factors in individuals with a diagnosis of hypertension. Method: This quantitative descriptive study was conducted at the Family Health Center (FHC) located in Antalya. Eligible participants of this study were 323 adults aged over 40 who attended to the FHC between October and December 2019 and have been diagnosed with hypertension for at least 6 months and using antihypertensive drugs. Office blood pressure measurement was measured with an aneroid sphygmomanometer three times by the researcher at the FHC and home blood pressure measurement was measured in total 6 times by the participant with an electronic monitoring device. Blood pressure control threshold of 140/90 mmHg is applied at office measurement and 135/85 mmHg at home measurement. The research data is collected through the "Patient Introduction Form", "Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (MASES-SF)" and "Healthy Life Style Behavior Scale II". Results: It is found that %28.5 of the participants at office measurement, %33.1 at home measurement and %43.7 at either office or home measurement average and %18 at both home and office measurements have an uncontrolled blood pressure. The mean item score of the MASES-SF is observed 3.66 out of 4 and the overall scores are identified as follows health responsibility 2.24, physical activity 1.65, nutrition 3.27, interpersonal relationships 3.33 and stress management 2.68. While the frequency of checking blood pressure control, health responsibility and nutrition are not significant predictors (p>.05), MASES-SF is a significant predictor (Exp(B) 44.564, CI 939-.995, (p<.05). Conclusion: About half of the participants blood pressure is not under control. Their compliance with medication good but their physcal activity levels are low. The predictive variable in blood pressure control is the level of compliance with drug therapy.